How to Become an Ultrasound Tech in Georgia – GA

Before taking the necessary educational steps to become a sonographer in Georgia, keep in mind these desired skills for sonographers:

The physical stamina that is necessary to turn, lift, or assist patients in other ways during a procedure for a sonogram.

Visual acuity in diagnosing and determining the appropriate images that will help doctors in accurately diagnosing patients.

Relaxing patients during a procedure for a sonogram.

Speaking and interacting with patients effectively.

The ability to notice details in order to correctly record patient information.

The aptitude to understand and operate complex pieces of sonography equipment.

Georgia does not have any specific educational requirements for sonographers, but most public and private companies do. Therefore, in order to receive a realistic chance to obtain a job, here are the steps of how to become an ultrasound technician in Georgia:

Receive a GED or high school diploma.

Sign up for a career sonography program in your particular field of interest. Make sure that this program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Most companies will wish you to have in-person sonography training before they bring you on board. This training can be obtained through a technical or vocational school, a hospital, a two- or-four year program at a college or university, or the U.S. Armed Forces.

It’s a good idea to become a certified sonographer via the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS). This certification is not required in the state of Georgia, but your salary will likely be much higher, and your prospects for a job will increase, if you become certified through ARDMS.

You will need to satisfactorily complete a pair of examinations to become certified as an ultrasound technician in Georgia. The two exams that you will take will be determined by the particular sonography field that you choose:

If you wish to become a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS), you will need to satisfactorily complete a physics exam, along with a special exam in the practice area of breast, abdomen, neurosonography, fetal echocardiography, or gynecology and obstetrics. To read more about the exams, log on to http://www.ardms.org/default.asp?ContentID=63.

If you wish to become a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS), you will need to pass that same physics exam, but you will also need to take and pass an exam in the specialized area of your choice: pediatric echocardiography, fetal echocardiography, and basic echocardiography. Learn more about the exams at http://www.ardms.org/default.asp?ContentID=69.

If you want to become a Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT), you will have to pass the physics exam, but you will also need to complete a vascular technology exam. Learn more about these exams at http://www.ardms.org/default.asp?ContentID=71.